Apr. 12, 2022
HARRISBURG – A bill sponsored by Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) seeking to assist older foster children in Pennsylvania in finding more permanent family connections was unanimously approved by the House Children and Youth Committee on Monday.
“This legislation will improve our processes to help foster youth achieve permanency, provide them with supportive connections, and prepare them for a successful transition out of the child welfare system and into independent adulthood,” Boback told committee members.
House Bill 1866 would build on existing state requirements that foster youth receive counseling and other services as they grow older, including the identification of family members who may be willing to assume a primary caretaker or other supportive role. Boback’s proposal would ensure those requirements are fully and effectively implemented.
“This bill is truly one of the most important pieces of legislation that I have had the honor to sponsor during my time in the House, because it concerns teenagers and young adults in the child welfare system who are in a disadvantaged position at one of the most critical points in their lives,” Boback added. “Adolescence and early adulthood are times of incredible growth, but also tremendous vulnerability, and we need to give them every opportunity for success.”
House Bill 1866 will next by considered by the full House of Representatives.
To view or download a broadcast-quality video of Boback’s remarks, visit here.
Representative Karen Boback
117th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andy Briggs
717-260-6474
abriggs@pahousegop.com
RepBoback.com